Carter County Schools is facing significant challenges with its aging bus fleet, as highlighted during the Board of Education Workshop on January 9, 2025. The discussion revealed urgent needs for vehicle replacements and improvements in maintenance practices to ensure student safety and operational efficiency.

The current fleet is insufficient, with officials noting that they are out of vehicles and struggling to maintain functionality. The lack of a reliable bus management system (BMS) has compounded these issues, leading to costly replacements and repairs. One official emphasized the critical need for approximately 30 new buses to expedite the transition to a more reliable fleet.

A long-term bus replacement plan has been developed, aiming to overhaul the fleet over the next four years. This plan is expected to reduce maintenance costs significantly. Currently, maintaining a single school bus costs about $55,100 annually, primarily due to routine upkeep and inspections. Transitioning to newer buses could save the district up to $3,000 per year per bus in inspection fees alone.

The discussion also touched on the operational difficulties faced by drivers, including issues with brakes and the overall reliability of the vehicles. One driver recounted a near-accident due to mechanical failures, underscoring the urgent need for safer and more dependable transportation for students.

As the district moves forward with its bus replacement strategy, officials are hopeful that these changes will enhance safety and efficiency, ultimately benefiting the entire Carter County community. The board is expected to continue addressing these pressing transportation issues in future meetings.